Statement from President Joe Biden on the Passing of Jimmy Buffett

Jimmy Buffett: A Poet of Paradise

Jimmy Buffett was a singer-songwriter, author, entrepreneur, and philanthropist who captivated millions of fans with his music and lifestyle.

He died on September 1, 2023, at the age of 76, after a four-year-long secret battle with rare skin cancer.

A Musical Legend:

Buffett was born on December 25, 1946, in Pascagoula, Mississippi. He began his musical career in Nashville, Tennessee, as a country artist, but soon moved to Key West, Florida, where he developed his signature style of blending country, folk, rock, pop, and Caribbean influences.

He released more than 50 studio and live albums, and had several hit songs, such as “Margaritaville”, “Come Monday”, “Cheeseburger in Paradise”, “Volcano”, and “Changes in Latitudes, Changes in Attitudes”.

He was nominated for two Grammy Awards and won several country music awards.

He also wrote several best-selling books, such as “Tales from Margaritaville”, “Where Is Joe Merchant?”, and “A Pirate Looks at Forty”.

He was known for his humorous and adventurous stories that often featured his alter ego, a seafaring rogue named Frank Bama.

A Businessman and Philanthropist

Buffett was not only a successful musician and writer, but also a savvy businessman and philanthropist. He built a global empire based on his Margaritaville brand, which included merchandise, restaurants, resorts, casinos, beer, tequila, and more.

According to Variety, his company earned him between $1.5 billion and $2 billion each year.

He was also a licensed pilot who flew his own planes and helicopters. He supported various environmental and humanitarian causes, such as the Save the Manatee Club, the Coral Reef Foundation, the Singing for Change Foundation, and the Hurricane Katrina relief efforts.

A Poet of Paradise

Buffett was widely admired and loved by his fans, who called themselves Parrotheads. He inspired generations to step back and find joy in life and in one another.

He celebrated a uniquely American cast of characters and seaside folkways in his songs. He reminded us how much the simple things in life matter - the people we love, the places we’re from, the hopes we have on the horizon.

His passing was mourned by many people around the world, including President Joe Biden, who issued a statement on his website on September 2nd.

Biden called Buffett “a poet of paradise” and “an American music icon”. He said he and the first lady had the honor to meet and get to know Buffett over the years.

He also said that Buffett’s music was "as therapeutic for me as it is for fans to listen and sing along".

Biden concluded his statement by sending his love to Buffett’s wife of 46 years, Jane; to their children, Savannah, Sarah, and Cameron; to their grandchildren; and to the millions of fans who will continue to love him even as his ship now sails for new shores.